Office of Community
Oriented Policing Services
U.S. Department of Justice

For Immediate Release
September 7, 2007

CONTACT: Gilbert L. Moore
(202) 616-1728

COPS OFFICE ANNOUNCES $14.8 MILLION IN SCHOOL SAFETY GRANTS

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
today announced $14.8 million in grants to 152 local law enforcement agencies to enhance school safety in 36 states.
The grants were awarded through COPS Secure Our Schools program, which provides funds to improve security at
schools and on school grounds.

The Secure Our Schools program will provide up to 50 percent of the total cost for municipalities to install
metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other equipment to help deter crime. The grants can also be used to pay half
of the cost of security assessments, security training, and other measures that will provide a significant improvement
in security.

"Both educators and law enforcement officials understand that securing the school facility and receiving proper training
are critical components of a comprehensive school safety plan," said COPS Director Carl R. Peed. "We are pleased to assist
with local school safety initiatives."

Secure Our Schools is one of several COPS initiatives to enhance school safety. Through this program COPS has
provided communities with more than $53 million to make schools safer. Overall, COPS has invested more than $883 million in
America's schools through our Safe Schools Initiative, COPS in Schools, School-Based Partnerships, and Secure Our Schools programs.

In addition, COPS supports innovative community policing initiatives, funds the purchase of crime fighting technology,
and provides training and technical assistance resources. Since 1995, COPS has invested $12.4 billion to advance community policing,
including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring of more than 117,000
officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, technical assistance, conferences and
webcasts.

For additional information about COPS Secure Our Schools program, and to view a list of municipalities that received grants,
visit COPS website at www.cops.usdoj.gov.